Creativity is the ultimate driver of business. From problem-solving to brainstorming, creativity fuels our day to day – even if we don’t realize it.
For some, creativity can feel elusive. And when creating, getting started can be the most challenging part. To help jumpstart your creativity, we’ve gathered a few of our favorite quotes that are sure to inspire your next project.
“The chief enemy of creativity is good sense.”
— Pablo Picasso
It’s common to vet our ideas when deciding which are worth pursuing. Often, we’re met with a nagging voice that calls out, “That’s a dumb idea,” and prevents us from exploring our out-of-the-box thoughts.
As Picasso professed, our “good sense” stands in the way of creativity. Out of fear that our ideas won’t work or be widely accepted, we stifle their potential. If you want to be creative, you must let your ideas flow freely. Instead of lamenting possible mistakes, pursue the ideas you believe have legs. Each idea may not be successful, but we will never know if we don’t see them through.
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”
— Maya Angelou
It’s a misconception that uncreative people exist. In fact, creativity and the ability to create is an innate human function. Still, many are modest with exercising their creative muscles.
When creating, it’s important that we adopt an abundance mindset, as opposed to scarcity. Avoid thoughts that lend to “saving” our ideas or creative resources. If we think of our creativity as something that is in limited supply, we are doomed to produce very few good ideas.
Instead of thinking of creativity as something that can diminish, consider it something that only grows stronger with frequent use.
“We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing wings on our way down.”
— Kurt Vonnegut
Some of our best campaigns and business wins are results of calculated, strategic plans. Others are born from taking risks.
Sometimes we have to dive headfirst into a project, even if we are unsure of where we’ll land. When venturing into uncharted territory, it is OK to learn as we go. It is also OK to accept that every leap of faith will not result in us flying – falling is a part of the journey. These experiences and learning opportunities help us develop the wings necessary to soar into our next big idea.
“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which mistakes to keep.”
— Scott Adams
Creativity and art are different sides of the same coin. While they can exist separately, they are best when utilized in lockstep.
Creative people are defined by their willingness to explore and innovate. Their pursuit of new ideas and solutions leave them unhindered by preconceived notions and the fear of failure. Creativity encourages constant creation. While mistakes are bound to happen, creatives are not discouraged by them.
Art is the end result of this creativity. Requiring discernment and skill, the creation of art is a result of knowing which creative ideas to keep and which to toss out. If you think of creativity as a constant journey, art is the light at the end of the tunnel.
“Inspiration comes and goes, creativity is the result of practice.”
— Phil Cousineau
What inspires us ebbs and flows. From creative quotes to picturesque surroundings, we draw inspiration from constantly rotating sources. And sometimes, nothing feels awe-inspiring.
Inspiration can be elusive, and this is a challenge when our creativity and problem-solving relies on this source. We must take control of our creative momentum. If we wait for inspiration before we start our next project, we may be waiting a long time.
Instead, focus on moving forward and maintaining momentum for a better chance of keeping creativity alive. During this process, inspiration may come, and if not, at least you’re still creating.
At Design Pickle, we love to help bring your ideas to life. Check out our design work for a healthy dose of visual inspiration. And if you need further help getting your creative juices flowing, we invite you to join the 7-Day Creativity Challenge!
